This Cape York and Arnhem Land expedition is a fascinating small ship voyage combining the very best of Australia’s northern coastline, exploring the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, the Arnhem Land Coast, and the rarely-visited Tiwi Islands. Join the Coral Expeditions I for a remarkable 11-night voyage of discovery from Cairns to Darwin, visiting otherwise inaccessible locations and meeting the friendly indigenous people of the Torres Strait and the Top End.
Highlights
Explore Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the coast
Snorkel with some of the 1,500 species of fish at the Great Barrier Reef
Visit Gab Titui Cultural Center for a children's traditional performance
Tour the remote Bathurst and Melville Islands and learn of Tiwi culture
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the Coral Expeditions I at Trinity Wharf, Cairns. After departing Cairns, travel across Trinity Bay before mooring on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy time to snorkel over the reef and view the many colorful corals and tropical fish that call the reef home. This evening meet fellow travelers and friendly crew while enjoying the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and a walk along the beautiful sandy beach. If you feel more energetic, join your guides on a walk to ‘Cook’s Look’ on the island’s peak, the highest lookout on this part of the reef. From this high point, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. Enjoy the stunning scenery - a photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent!
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery that depicts sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. At Davey Reef and Cay enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.
Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island. Its reef provides some fantastic swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching, and a tropical sunset.
Venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the "Tip" on Australia's northernmost point. Enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. Have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst enjoying a tour of the island. Visit the Gab Titui Cultural Center where the children perform traditional dances. Continuing on to Horn Island discover the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Travel ashore on Horn Island and stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.
Board a short charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Upon arrival, visit the Yirrkala Art Center. Following a light lunch, enjoy time to explore this frontier town before visiting Nambarra Art Center to see some fine examples of local artwork. Overnight at Walkabout Lodge.
Rejoining Coral Expeditions I, cruise through the narrow "Hole in the Wall". Expert guides and lecturers share the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnhem Land coast. Enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.
Be welcomed by friendly locals to their Elcho Island community. Enjoy insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. Attend the local church service to share in the local culture.
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before traveling ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Center, Museum, and local "boutique", where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Join the Expedition Leader and guides on an Explorer tour of the river before rejoining the small ship.
Enjoy a full day to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement. Local National Park Rangers guide exploration of the ruins. Also visit the Ranger's Interpretation Center at Black Point.
Enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as guides learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art center. Tiwi hosts share a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before a traditional afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. Tonight say farewell to new-found friends while enjoying the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 12: Disembark in Darwin
1 Breakfast
Arrive into Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the "Top End".
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “Single Guest Match” program. Single Guest Match is available for guests who have flexible travel dates and are willing to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender. Passengers are placed on a standby list and notified if a match becomes available. Once confirmed, they are charged at the twin-share rate (no single supplement). Cabin category requests are accepted.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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